“It may lead to picnics,” she says. “That’s how we get over this stuff.”

While the idea is still being worked out, she’d like to start the exchange program in January. Humphrey doesn’t want to make a big whoop about the meetings, but keep them small and informal so she and the mayor — or whoever — can get to know one another a little bit better. It’s Networking 101.

“When we have constituent meetings, somebody brings refreshments,” Humphrey says. “We tell jokes and laugh about each other’s gardens. The mayor might enjoy that.”

McCollum’s office said he was out of town and couldn’t be reached for comment last week, but former mayor and current 6th District appointee Walter T. Kenney says if invited, he’d be happy to attend one of Renny’s meetings.

“Oh yeah, certainly. I would be glad to participate in something like that,” Kenney says. “I’m very appreciative of the fact that she is willing to take the leadership and do this.” As mayor from 1990 to 1994, Kenney says he met regularly with supervisors in both Chesterfield and Henrico counties.

“I was able to do a few things because I was in a sense a full-time mayor,” he says. “I’m not reflecting on anyone in the present or past. What I’m saying is it’s an excellent idea.”

With a little luck, perhaps the exchange program can encompass most or all of the county supervisors and City Council members, Humphrey says. She hasn’t talked with fellow board members about it yet, but plans to in the near future.

“We’re in a new century, we need to get on with some business,” she says. “We need to come up with a new approach.” — Scott Bass